It’s now week 2 of the new school year, new school term, and boy was I glad that we had passed the 6 weeks of school holidays peacefully.
During the December school holidays, though on some days, we started the day with Mummy scolding the kids and reminding/ threatening them to behave. Other than that, we passed the rest of the day rather peacefully. Baby1 and Baby2 learnt some basic chores and skills, like opening the doors, watering the plants, keeping away all the laundry, some cooking. When they were done with Mummy chores, they got to do the things that they like, such as playdoh, hideout, puzzle books, creating their own games, reading, board games etc. DS was strictly kept to Sundays and Granny-house days which was a plenty enough. We had a 2D1N Sentosa staycation, a Sembawang morning, and 3 stayovers at the grandparents’ house. They had 2 weeks of Switch just before the school term starts, plus the 2 long weekends of board games together with the whole family. Though we did not do much or go out much, it had been a pretty fulfilling holidays for Baby1 and Baby2 I must say.
But once school reopens, since Day 1 of school, Baby1 and Baby2 have been “hostile” to each other THE MINUTE they step into the house. “You block my way.” “You hit me.” I can hear them mumbling to each other right at the doorstep to our house. It is so weird! Why does going to school makes them irritable when they come home?
During the 6 weeks of holidays, Baby1 (and Baby2) did not ask for the computer at all. I was so glad that after the exams, they had no more online assignments hence no need to use the computer. When the holidays came, they “forgot” about the computer and any friends’ chat if there were any at all. With no interactions with their classmates, or just “chatting” with each other online (Baby2 like to “chat” with her sister on google), and no Among Us or handphone distractions, Baby1 and Baby2 were able to let their creative juices flow and made up games on their own when they were bored. With Baby1 taking the lead most of the time and Baby2 following her sister around, they played nicely and amicably.
I suspects that the nosiy school envirmonment and/ or peer or societal pressure is creating the hostility. Perhaps they feel unsettled if they are not part of a particular group. Like Baby1 was lamenting that this year again, she is not in the “city” side of the classroom because the students around her seat are the quieter ones. And while Baby2 is still learning how to interact with other students, she has an additional role as a prefect this year too.
My babies, Baby1 and Baby2, I know that school and the real world can be harsh and difficult. This is something that you have to learn and wield on your own, and Mummy can only listen to you and comfort you and sayang you when you come home. I hope that you can navigate well in these growing up years towards your independence and maturity. Whatever you face outside, Mummy and Papa will always be here for you. Love you lots.
- Dear2
Dear1 Dear2 